Concussion Clinic

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a concussion is, “a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.

The Arkansas Children's Concussion Clinic offers a comprehensive approach to the evaluation and management of children who might have sustained a concussion. It is a collaborative effort that involves primary care, sports medicine, and physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians. The team is supported by neuropsychologists, physical therapists, social workers and athletic trainers.

Using state-of-the-art technology, our specialty staff can provide:

Diagnosis and management of concussion and post-concussion syndrome

Treatment for traumatic brain injuries in a wide variety of ages and causes

Computerized neurocognitive testing

Access to support services including physical and occupational therapy, social work, speech therapy and neuropsychology

Safe return to play consultation

Appropriate imaging or referrals

Follow-up appointments to monitor long-term recovery

Baseline testing is available

Concussion Symptoms

Concussions are serious injuries that require prompt care. All suspected concussions should be seen by a trained healthcare provider. It is important to follow up with your child’s pediatrician as soon as possible after the injury. If your child exhibits of these concussion warning signs, they should be seen urgently. The Emergency Department at Arkansas Children’s Hospital is also available outside of normal business hours.

Physical

Headache

Dizziness

Feeling more tired than usual

Balance Problems

Sensitivity to lights and/or noise

Cognitive

Difficulty paying attention

Difficulty remembering

Having to think longer or harder than normal to answer a question

Feeling slowed down

“Brain fog”

Mood

Irritability

Feeling more sad than usual

Feelings of anxiety or worry

More Emotional (Happy one minute, then sad or angry the next)

Sleep

Sleeping more or less than usual

Having difficulty falling asleep

Having difficulty falling asleep

Drowsiness or feeling like you want to take more naps than usual

The CDC lists the following symptoms as "red flags" that would warrant an ER/emergency visit:

One pupil larger than the other.

Drowsiness or inability to wake up.

A headache that gets worse and does not go away.

Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.

Repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching).

Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.

Loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out). Even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously.